In this engaging conversation, Adam Tjolle, a brave survivor of a brain tumor, reflects on his life-changing surgery with his close friend, presenter Claudia Hammond, by his side. They revisit old recordings and discuss Adam’s journey of recovery in Malawi, where he helps with animal welfare. Adam shares insights on living with uncertainty, his evolving perspective on life, and the importance of finding joy despite health challenges. Their heartfelt dialogue underscores resilience, personal growth, and the power of friendship in tough times.
Adam's experience with a brain tumor taught him the importance of informed health decisions and engaging his family in difficult conversations.
Living with uncertainty has shifted Adam's perspective, emphasizing connection and gratitude while embracing meaningful experiences with loved ones.
Deep dives
Adam's Life-Changing Brain Surgery
Adam shares his experience of discovering a slow-growing brain tumor after a biking accident, which led to life-altering surgery. He reflects on the initial shock of receiving the diagnosis and the immediate need for intervention, emphasizing the importance of making informed decisions about his health. Post-surgery, Adam faced numerous challenges, including cognitive effects and emotional struggles as he adjusted to his new reality. Despite these hurdles, he acknowledges the significant progress made over the years in his recovery journey.
The Impact of Recovery on Family
Adam discusses the emotional toll that his health crisis had on his family, particularly on his children and wife. He admits that while he was focused on surviving and healing, he was less aware of how his condition affected his loved ones. The importance of communication and sharing feelings became clear to him as he realized that his family experienced their own struggles during his recovery. Adam now strives to engage his family in conversations about his health, fostering a deeper understanding of their shared experiences.
Finding Purpose and Living with Uncertainty
After years of recovery, Adam has transitioned into a role as a professor at a veterinary school, which allows him to contribute back to the profession he loves. He discusses how living with uncertainty, regarding both his health and the future, has shaped his perspective on life. Rather than fearing death, Adam focuses on making the most of his time with loved ones, embracing fun experiences with them. He emphasizes the significance of connection and gratitude in creating meaningful moments, highlighting the wisdom gained through his challenging journey.
In 2017, Adam Tjolle accidentally discovered he had a brain tumour. At the time, presenter and close friend Claudia Hammond followed him on his journey before, during and after undergoing life-changing surgery. Meeting up now in Malawi, Adam and Claudia listen back to the old recordings and reflect on what has changed for Adam since his operation.
Adam still lives in Scotland, but his new life after brain surgery sometimes brings him to Malawi, where he works with the Lilongwe Society for the Protection and Care of Animals (LSPCA). Claudia joins Adam and Dr Tino Razemba at one of the LSPCA’s ‘spay days’, neutering local dogs in underserved communities. As well as getting involved, Claudia has a chance to see Adam’s passion first-hand.
Prior to his surgery, Adam’s prognosis was a life expectancy of seven years. That time period has now passed. So what does life mean to Adam now? And today, as one in two people born after 1960 will receive a cancer diagnosis at some point, what can the rest of us can learn from Adam’s experience of living with uncertainty?
Presenter: Claudia Hammond
Producer: Sophie Ormiston and Paula McGrath
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